WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 392

An act relating to prohibiting possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in State buildings and on State land

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hooper

Prohibits possessing firearms and dangerous weapons in state buildings and on state land, with exemptions, penalties, and enforcement rules for violations.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 392

Summary: H.392 (2025-2026) – Vermont act prohibiting possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in State buildings and on State land

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a prohibition on possessing firearms and other dangerous weapons in state buildings and on state land in Vermont.
  • Aims to reduce safety risks in government facilities and in outdoor state properties by restricting weapon possession within designated areas controlled by the state.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition scope:
    • Prohibits possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in state-owned or state-operated buildings.
    • Extends to state land where explicit prohibitions are designated or where state facilities, events, or programs are located.
  • Definitions:
    • Clarifies what constitutes a “firearm” and what qualifies as a “dangerous weapon” under the act.
    • Addresses whether certain items (e.g., concealed carry permits, historical/antique weapons, or hunting equipment) are exempt or subject to regulation.
  • Enforcement and penalties:
    • Establishes penalties for violations, which may include fines, confiscation of weapons, or other administrative or criminal consequences as applicable.
    • Outlines enforcement authority for state and local law enforcement when enforcing the prohibition on state land/buildings.
  • Exceptions and exemptions:
    • Likely provides specific exemptions (e.g., for law enforcement personnel, certain persons with carry permits, or official security details) and for certain activities (e.g., private security contractors performing official duties, or possession in permitted areas outside restricted zones).
    • May include temporary exemptions for events, special licenses, or public safety considerations.
  • Compliance and signage:
    • Requires appropriate notice and signage to inform the public about restricted areas.
    • May outline procedures for enforcement, reporting violations, and handling confiscated weapons.
  • Relationship to other laws:
    • Addresses how this act interacts with existing Vermont firearm laws, such as permit requirements, concealed carry statutes, and public safety provisions.
    • Specifies that the prohibition does not repeal or modify other lawful uses of firearms where permitted by law outside restricted zones.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals: Anyone who enters state buildings or state-owned or state-managed land with a firearm or dangerous weapon, unless exempt.
  • State employees and contractors: Subject to the prohibition while performing duties in restricted areas; potential need for compliance training and enforcement of the rule.
  • Law enforcement: Retains authority to enforce the prohibition, including potential searches, seizures, and penalties for violators.
  • Visitors and participants in state programs: Must comply with posted restrictions when on state property.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • History: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary on February 26, 2025.
  • Next steps likely include committee review, potential hearings, amendments, and a floor vote in the Vermont General Assembly.
  • If enacted, the bill would become law on a date specified within its text or upon passage and signature, with a transition period for compliance as determined by the legislature.

Additional notes

  • Co-sponsor: Bob Hooper.
  • The bill’s exact text would specify the precise locations deemed “state buildings and state land,” any urban/rural distinctions, critical definitions of “dangerous weapons,” and the detailed penalties and exemptions.
  • Stakeholders may include educators, state workers, veterans’ organizations, gun safety advocates, and security personnel, who will be attentive to the scope of exemptions and the practical enforcement framework.

If you’d like, I can pull the bill’s exact statutory language and provide a line-by-line annotation of provisions, or compare it to existing Vermont weapon possession statutes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.